Copywork: possible choicesSuddenly Longbill plunged his bill into the ground. He plunged it in for the whole length. Then he pulled it out and Peter caught a glimpse of the tail end of a worm disappearing down Longbill's throat.

Where that long bill had gone into the ground was a neat little round hole.

For the first time Peter noticed that there were many such little round holes all about. "Did you make all those little round holes?" exclaimed Peter.

Running along the very edge of the water was a slim, trim little bird with fairly long legs, a long slender bill, brownish-gray back with black spots and markings, and a white waistcoat neatly spotted with black.

Every few steps he would stop to pick up something, then stand for a second bobbing up and down in the funniest way, as if his body was so nicely balanced on his legs that it teetered back and forth like a seesaw.

The Sandpiper

Across the narrow beach we flit, One little sandpiper and I, And fast I gather, bit by bit, The scattered driftwood bleached and dry. The wild waves reach their hands for it, The wild wind raves, the tide runs high, As up and down the beach we flit, One little sandpiper and I.

Above our heads the sullen clouds Scud black and swift across the sky; Like silent ghosts in misty shrouds Stand out the white lighthouses high. Almost as far as eye can reach I see the close-reefed vessels fly, As fast we flit along the beach, One little sandpiper and I.

I watch him as he skims along, Uttering his sweet and mournful cry; He starts not at my fitful song, Or flash of fluttering drapery. He has no thought of any wrong; He scans me with a fearless eye: Staunch friends are we, well tried and strong, The little sandpiper and I.

Comrade, where wilt thou be to-night When the loosed storm breaks furiously? My driftwood-fire will burn so bright! To what warm shelter canst thou fly? I do not fear for thee, though wroth The tempest rushes through the sky; For are we not God's children both, Thou, little sandpiper, and I?

Celia Thaxter

Chapter 10

REDWING the Blackbird and YELLOW WING the Flicker

REDWING THE BLACKBIRD. His shoulders are brilliant red with a margin of yellow. SPECKLES THE STARLING. He looks something like a Blackbird speckled with tiny light spots.

Peter couldn't help thinking that Old Mother Nature had been very unfair indeed in dressing Mrs. Redwing. In the first place she wasn't black. She was dressed all over in grayish-brown with streaks of darker brown which in places were almost black. She wore no bright-colored shoulder patches.

Peter wanted to ask why it was that she was so plainly dressed, but he was too polite and decided to wait until he should see Jenny Wren.

*The Red-winged Blackbird

In meadows where a streamlet flows Or sedges rim a pool, There swings upon a blade of green Beside the waters cool, A bird of black, with "epaulets" Of red and gold. With glee He plays upon his "Magic Flute ;" "O-o-ka-ree! O-o-ka-ree!"

A.E.B.

Northern Flicker– Colaptes auratus

YELLOW WING THE FLICKER. The bright yellow of the underside of each wing, the black crescent across his breast and his spotted underparts make him easy to identify.

Yellow Wing the Flicker

Copywork: possible choices

When his wings were spread, Peter saw that on the under sides they were a beautiful golden-yellow, as were the under sides of his tail feathers.

Around his throat was a broad, black collar. From this, clear to his tail, were black dots. When his wings were spread, the upper part of his body just above the tail was pure white.

"My," exclaimed Peter, "you are a handsome fellow! I never realized before how handsome you are."

Northern Flickers are found in wooded areas that have stands of dead trees. These woodpeckers are also found in open areas, forest edges, clear-cut areas, agricultural lands and residential areas

The Flicker or Golden-Winged Woodpecker

Gay, golden-shafted flicker is here, With his wings all brightly lined; On his blue-gray head with its long strong bill, A crescent of red you'll find; He wears a brown coat and a black mustache, And he shows a patch of white Above his sharply-pointed tail, When he takes his rapid flight.

His breast and back are flecked with black; A collar dark he wears. His feet are strong, and his four toes Are so arranged, in pairs, That he can climb the trunks of trees Where his food of grubs is found; More frequently his sticky tongue Seeks ants upon the ground.

Now hear him speak! He says, "Che-ack!" Or calls to lazy boys, "Oh, waké-up, waké-up, waké-up, you!" He'll rouse you with his noise. And when his heart beats high, he sings, 'Tm Flick-Flick-Flick-Flick-Flicker!" Or fast and faster still it rings, "O-qui-qui-qui-qui-qui-qui-qui-qui- qui-qui-qui-qui-quicker A.E.B

Chapter 11

Drummers and Carpenters“The Downy, Hairy, and Red-Headed Woodpeckers”

REDHEAD THE WOODPECKER. You will know him instantly by his all-red head. DOWNY THE WOODPECKER. His smaller size and the black bars on the white outer feathers of his tail distinguish him.

Common almost anywhere there are trees (except the dry southwest), even city parks and suburbs. Forages on tree trunks and sometimes gleans from branches and leaves. Will come to feeders for suet.

Downy woodpeckers

*The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

Tree-dwelling insects must quiet be, When Downy knocks at their door in a tree; His ears are so sharp, if they stir a mite, He will dig them out for a toothsome bite. And when in winter they all are dead, You'll see his bobbing, red-capped head In search of the eggs they've hidden away, In the trunks of the trees, now gaunt and gray.

Downy and Hairy look as though They had had a frolic in the snow; Had tumbled about till their breasts were white, And with Jack Frost had a snowball fight, Till their backs were streaked, and flecked were their wings; The grove with their cheerful voices rings! Can they be playing hide-and-seek? Just hear them call, "Peek--peek ! Peek--peek !"

A.E.B.

Copywork: possible choices

"Hello!" she exclaimed. "There's Hairy. Did you ever see two cousins look more alike? If it were not that Hairy is bigger than Downy it would be hard work to tell them apart. Do you see any other difference, Peter?"

Copywork: possible choicesI like a variety. Yes, sir, I certainly do like a variety—cherries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes. In fact most kinds of fruit taste good to me, not to mention beechnuts and acorns when there is no fruit."

Jenny Wren tossed her head. "You didn't mention the eggs of some of your neighbors," said she sharply.

Redhead did his best to look innocent, but Peter noticed that he gave a guilty start and very abruptly changed the subject, and a moment later flew away.

Black back and wings with prominent white secondaries visible in flight and at rest

Black tail

Habitat

The red-headed woodpecker avoids unbroken forest, favoring open country or at least clearings in the woods. Forest edges, orchards, open pine woods, or groves of tall trees in open country are likely habitats.

Red headed woodpecker

The Legend the first Woodpecker

Once on a time, down to the earth, The wise "Great Spirit" came; Disguised as an aged man, he sought A wigwam's leaping flame. "I am faint; pray give me food," he begged; And the Indian squaw replied, "I'll bake you a cake of my golden meal." "I will wait," the Spirit sighed.

When the cake was done, it had grown in size; "It is far too big," thought she. Aloud she said, "If you longer wait, I will make one presently." When the second was baked, it, too, had grown-- A monstrous cake it looked; "'Tis more than enough for a feast," she thought; She said, "It is not well-cooked."

The third, the smallest of all, became By the Spirit's magic spell, So great that she laid it away with the rest, And cried, "I know full well You deserve no food. Begone, I say! In the bark of the forest trees You can find enough for such as you!" Then she dropped upon her knees.

For the Spirit arose, aflame with wrath, And he spake to her angrily. "Thou art selfish and mean, and quite unfit, An Indian woman to be. Go out to the trees and search for your food!" She felt herself grow small; Wings grew from her sides, and away she flew, With a woodpecker's noisy call."Quirk! Quir-r-k! For my food I must work!"